Event

Chester N. Turner double-feature at PhilaMOCA

Legendary horror director CHESTER N. TURNER in-person to present a double-feature of his films at PhilaMOCA on Halloween!

On October 31, 2013 (Halloween!) PhilaMOCA is proud to present the first Philadelphia appearance of legendary horror director Chester N. Turner who will present a double feature of his cult classics BLACK DEVIL DOLL FROM HELL (1984) and TALES FROM THE QUADEAD ZONE (1987). A meet and greet reception and a talk with Turner will precede the film screenings.

Limited to VHS-only releases in the 1980s with virtually no literature available on their curious existence, the two films of Chester N. Turner have gained a loyal cult following amongst lovers of the cinematically bizarre. Widely believed to have renounced his filmmaking career prior to his death decades ago, indie film distributor Massacre Video surprisingly announced in 2012 that they had located Turner, alive and well and living in Chicago. He's actually quite proud of his films and hopes to return to filmmaking in the near future.

This event will mark Turner's fourth-ever public appearance and his first in Philadelphia.

The shot-on-VHS classic that is 1984's BLACK DEVIL DOLL FROM HELL is one of those movies that must be seen to be believed. God-fearing churchgoer Helen (Jones) is strangely drawn to a dreadlocks-clad ventriloquist dummy in an antique store. She brings the doll home where it comes to life and teaches her the joys of puppet sex while uttering phrases like "Before I give you a lesson in pleasure, I'm going to give you a lesson in pain!" Wonderfully awkward and affecting, BDDFH is a gleeful exploitation masterpiece with an ever-growing following that is more than well-deserved.

1987's TALES FROM THE QUADEAD ZONE is best known as the record holder for most valuable VHS tape amongst collectors (the most recent publically sold copy went for $700+). It's Turner's camcorder-clad take on the anthology horror film featuring lo-tech special effects laden stories that range from the fate of an abusive husband to the tale of a zombie clown from Hell. As enjoyable as it is rare.

DVD copies of the brand new re-releases of his films (available for the first time on a format other than their original VHS releases) will be available for purchase/signing at the event.

The event is presented by Geekadelphia.com and Cinedelphia.com, yes, it took the combined efforts of two local websites to make this miracle happen.